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The Other Olivia
Olivia Alexander (nee Sharp) thinks her biggest problem is discovering her husband's affair.
Then a stranger accosts her on the street warning, "Don't sign anything." When Olivia reluctantly follows his advice, everything starts to fall apart. Suddenly assassins, safe houses, and ruthless global corporations are hew new reality, and she's running for her life.
In a shadow world unknown to Olivia, Livvie Sharp's partner goes missing, someone tries to kidnap her little girl, and now she too is on the run as someone hunts her. Someone using her loved ones as weapons to bring her down.
Then she meets the other Olivia.
Then a stranger accosts her on the street warning, "Don't sign anything." When Olivia reluctantly follows his advice, everything starts to fall apart. Suddenly assassins, safe houses, and ruthless global corporations are hew new reality, and she's running for her life.
In a shadow world unknown to Olivia, Livvie Sharp's partner goes missing, someone tries to kidnap her little girl, and now she too is on the run as someone hunts her. Someone using her loved ones as weapons to bring her down.
Then she meets the other Olivia.
- GenresScience Fiction
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2022
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 16, 2022
Thank you to Atlin Merrick at Improbable Press for sending me a gorgeous first print of this book for reviewing purposes. The Other Olivia is available for purchase as of last week!
Four full stars to this pleasant surprise of a book, which was a terrifying look at an all-too plausible future for social media, Big Tech, and virtual reality advancements.
All of the elements of a great fish-out-of-water spy thriller are here: a naive, everyday citizen is inadvertently caught up in a conspiracy much bigger than themselves, forced to make rapid decisions on who to trust with their own safety as well as their close friends and family. I love that genre of film, but as a book this was a total, refreshing change of pace for me. A speculative combination of science fiction romp and a kind of technological thriller? Sure! The book starts and never stops offering tantalizing bits of intrigue. As a reader, you're so busy trying to figure out what's going on, and then how it will be resolved, so on the engagement scale this gets full marks.
I will say that there were a few things that weren't my jam. I'm not a particular fan of the "special child" trope, in any genre, really, and the moments the child character was on-page with dialogue kind of ground my gears. Lastly, I did think the plot bit off a bit more than it could chew - there's a cult slash ecological terrorist group running around in the background, sinister tech companies partnering with shadowy assassins, a character dealing with alcoholism...It felt like too much to explore in the book's length.
But I digress, as once I got into the plot, the book had me pretty hooked, so much so that I was valiantly trying to read by LED candlelight through a massive days-long power outage we suffered. Now that is a trait of a good book.
I also found as I progressed through the book that though this is a piece of speculative, action-packed fiction, it was suprisingly grounded in humanity and sentiment. I loved the emphasis on interpersonal relationships, particularly between the various female characters, who make up a bulk of the character roster. Olivia's bonds with Kass, with Sophie, with the special child who is central to the plot - all of it brought home a sense that these could be real characters, with real problems, perhaps only a few years down the road in our real world.
This book also used some sure-fire engagement tactics that worked really well for me, lending a sort of spy thriller vibe to it all. One of these were the cryptic, coded emails that introduced some chapters, short messages sent from operatives. These were a perfect touch, adding a sense of urgency and thrill to what was going on and keeping you reading. I am also wary of big tech as a baddie in our very real world, so that threat in the plot was pretty spine-chilling, working both to unsettle and engage me, and kudos are deserved for that effect.
Overall, if you enjoy fast-paced spy thrillers or action-packed sci-fi, I think this book's for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to anything else Improbable Press wants to throw my way.
Four full stars to this pleasant surprise of a book, which was a terrifying look at an all-too plausible future for social media, Big Tech, and virtual reality advancements.
All of the elements of a great fish-out-of-water spy thriller are here: a naive, everyday citizen is inadvertently caught up in a conspiracy much bigger than themselves, forced to make rapid decisions on who to trust with their own safety as well as their close friends and family. I love that genre of film, but as a book this was a total, refreshing change of pace for me. A speculative combination of science fiction romp and a kind of technological thriller? Sure! The book starts and never stops offering tantalizing bits of intrigue. As a reader, you're so busy trying to figure out what's going on, and then how it will be resolved, so on the engagement scale this gets full marks.
I will say that there were a few things that weren't my jam. I'm not a particular fan of the "special child" trope, in any genre, really, and the moments the child character was on-page with dialogue kind of ground my gears. Lastly, I did think the plot bit off a bit more than it could chew - there's a cult slash ecological terrorist group running around in the background, sinister tech companies partnering with shadowy assassins, a character dealing with alcoholism...It felt like too much to explore in the book's length.
But I digress, as once I got into the plot, the book had me pretty hooked, so much so that I was valiantly trying to read by LED candlelight through a massive days-long power outage we suffered. Now that is a trait of a good book.
I also found as I progressed through the book that though this is a piece of speculative, action-packed fiction, it was suprisingly grounded in humanity and sentiment. I loved the emphasis on interpersonal relationships, particularly between the various female characters, who make up a bulk of the character roster. Olivia's bonds with Kass, with Sophie, with the special child who is central to the plot - all of it brought home a sense that these could be real characters, with real problems, perhaps only a few years down the road in our real world.
This book also used some sure-fire engagement tactics that worked really well for me, lending a sort of spy thriller vibe to it all. One of these were the cryptic, coded emails that introduced some chapters, short messages sent from operatives. These were a perfect touch, adding a sense of urgency and thrill to what was going on and keeping you reading. I am also wary of big tech as a baddie in our very real world, so that threat in the plot was pretty spine-chilling, working both to unsettle and engage me, and kudos are deserved for that effect.
Overall, if you enjoy fast-paced spy thrillers or action-packed sci-fi, I think this book's for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and look forward to anything else Improbable Press wants to throw my way.
December 7, 2022
I thought it was good.
April 3, 2023
“The Other Olivia” by Tamara M Bailey is an intriguing mystery, a well-paced thriller and, at its heart, a satisfying story about friendship and family and identity.
Project Eidolon is a fully immersive, Matrix-like, alternate reality occupied by versions of people. Some are volunteers who have agreed to have their life experiences uploaded to create their Eidolon counterparts. Some are reflections of people known by these willing volunteers, coded from their memories. And some of the inhabitants are unique to Eidolon itself.
The lives of Olivia Alexander and her counterpart, Liv Sharp, diverged after Olivia volunteered to have her memories mapped into Eidolon. Sheltered and pampered after a devastating accident, Olivia lives in luxury. She’s contacted by a representative of Equinoxx, the company that owns Eidolon, to sign a new contract allowing Equinoxx to use an “anomaly” in Eidolon, created by Olivia’s memories.
Nera Blake, Project Eidolon’s charismatic inventor, wants Eidolon to change the world. By experimenting within Eidolon, she plans to gather data that will solve the real world’s energy and pollution problems. But her project costs money, and her partner Jacob Wilcox plans to use the “anomalies” to generate income.
But the anomalies are far more complicated than simple coding of misremembered features like a waterfall in a desert. Liv Sharp, existing entirely within Eidolon, has a child who should not exist.
As Olivia and her real world friends get to know their Eidolon versions, each character is faced with the consequences of their choices, their lives having diverged into what-might-have-been revelations that shake Olivia out of her comfort zone. When they realise what it is that Equinoxx really wants, they have a desperate race to save their own lives and the freedom of Liv’s anomalous child.
I opened this book yesterday and truly resented having to put it down overnight. If you are looking for a thriller with plenty of heart, The Other Olivia is for you.
Project Eidolon is a fully immersive, Matrix-like, alternate reality occupied by versions of people. Some are volunteers who have agreed to have their life experiences uploaded to create their Eidolon counterparts. Some are reflections of people known by these willing volunteers, coded from their memories. And some of the inhabitants are unique to Eidolon itself.
The lives of Olivia Alexander and her counterpart, Liv Sharp, diverged after Olivia volunteered to have her memories mapped into Eidolon. Sheltered and pampered after a devastating accident, Olivia lives in luxury. She’s contacted by a representative of Equinoxx, the company that owns Eidolon, to sign a new contract allowing Equinoxx to use an “anomaly” in Eidolon, created by Olivia’s memories.
Nera Blake, Project Eidolon’s charismatic inventor, wants Eidolon to change the world. By experimenting within Eidolon, she plans to gather data that will solve the real world’s energy and pollution problems. But her project costs money, and her partner Jacob Wilcox plans to use the “anomalies” to generate income.
But the anomalies are far more complicated than simple coding of misremembered features like a waterfall in a desert. Liv Sharp, existing entirely within Eidolon, has a child who should not exist.
As Olivia and her real world friends get to know their Eidolon versions, each character is faced with the consequences of their choices, their lives having diverged into what-might-have-been revelations that shake Olivia out of her comfort zone. When they realise what it is that Equinoxx really wants, they have a desperate race to save their own lives and the freedom of Liv’s anomalous child.
I opened this book yesterday and truly resented having to put it down overnight. If you are looking for a thriller with plenty of heart, The Other Olivia is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2022
The Other Olivia is a cracking good sci-fi thriller, set partly in Perth. The other part is set in a virtual world which has been created to help save Planet Earth.
The drama begins when Olivia Alexander is approached by a wild-haired man, warning her against signing a form. Alarmed - doubly so when someone shows up with the form in question- Olivia chooses to heed the warning.
With her personal life already falling apart, this decision sends her spinning into mayhem. Killers are on her trail. She falls in with people who harbour deadly secrets. At the same time, Livvie Sharp in the shadow world is fighting to save her family from those intent on kidnapping her daughter.
Bailey brings a light touch to developing/differnentiating her mirrored characters and the trauma and dark secrets they carry. The story moves along at a fabulous pace, with just enough pauses to catch a breath and learn a little more about Olivia, Liv, and the people who surround and link them before the next push into their fight against a dangerous enemy.
She also creates a perfect balance in the plot tension between the competing motivations of the organisation behind the virtual world, and the points where Olivia/Livvie's shared history splits and why.
The energy of the denouement is fantastic. The final chapters may seem to jump suddenly, but I loved how Bailey did not belabour resolutions that can clearly be extrapolated from the situations, especially when detailing the obvious would have dragged the pace after so much excellent timing throughout. It's a delightful and satisfying conclusion, too, which doesn't go for clumsy absolutes.
The Other Olivia is an exciting read, with lots of energy, appealing characters, and an interesting ethical challenge behind the dangers that threaten not only the characters but the worlds they inhabit.
The drama begins when Olivia Alexander is approached by a wild-haired man, warning her against signing a form. Alarmed - doubly so when someone shows up with the form in question- Olivia chooses to heed the warning.
With her personal life already falling apart, this decision sends her spinning into mayhem. Killers are on her trail. She falls in with people who harbour deadly secrets. At the same time, Livvie Sharp in the shadow world is fighting to save her family from those intent on kidnapping her daughter.
Bailey brings a light touch to developing/differnentiating her mirrored characters and the trauma and dark secrets they carry. The story moves along at a fabulous pace, with just enough pauses to catch a breath and learn a little more about Olivia, Liv, and the people who surround and link them before the next push into their fight against a dangerous enemy.
She also creates a perfect balance in the plot tension between the competing motivations of the organisation behind the virtual world, and the points where Olivia/Livvie's shared history splits and why.
The energy of the denouement is fantastic. The final chapters may seem to jump suddenly, but I loved how Bailey did not belabour resolutions that can clearly be extrapolated from the situations, especially when detailing the obvious would have dragged the pace after so much excellent timing throughout. It's a delightful and satisfying conclusion, too, which doesn't go for clumsy absolutes.
The Other Olivia is an exciting read, with lots of energy, appealing characters, and an interesting ethical challenge behind the dangers that threaten not only the characters but the worlds they inhabit.
December 27, 2022
Having followed Tamara since her internet writing days, I am always so impressed by Tamara's range - her ability to write across genres and a range of tropes and tell a unique story.
Firstly, I will say it is very hard to talk about what's fascinating about this story and not spoil the experience of going in blind. (I feel for the difficulty of whoever had to write that blurb, as there really isn't a way to sum up all the complex elements that make up this story.) Where do I even begin? Briefly: This story is: action/thriller, sci-fi, spy, friendship, romance, social/environmental issues, technology, mental health, uniquely set up world with interesting threats and challenges. It forces characters to confront and come to realisations of themselves, others, broader issues in a way that makes sense to this setting.
For me personally, two things that I particularly enjoyed. I really loved the way this set up/journey shows the characters in a way their best versions of themselves and how psychologically transformative that was. That actually left me feeling kind of inspired and wishing I could experience what the characters had for myself. Second, I think it's absolutely courageous the way that Tamara brings her sensitivity to current social issues/dilemmas into the backdrop of her stories (in this case, the characters grapple with climate change with heightened urgency). It seems like a "risky" choice for a writer to write it in instead of the safer choice of shying away from it and it makes her writing uniquely stand out for engaging in real world questions and complexities.
If you enjoy action or sci-fi type stories like the TV series Fringe, "what-ifs", and human complexity, you will likely enjoy this one.
Firstly, I will say it is very hard to talk about what's fascinating about this story and not spoil the experience of going in blind. (I feel for the difficulty of whoever had to write that blurb, as there really isn't a way to sum up all the complex elements that make up this story.) Where do I even begin? Briefly: This story is: action/thriller, sci-fi, spy, friendship, romance, social/environmental issues, technology, mental health, uniquely set up world with interesting threats and challenges. It forces characters to confront and come to realisations of themselves, others, broader issues in a way that makes sense to this setting.
For me personally, two things that I particularly enjoyed. I really loved the way this set up/journey shows the characters in a way their best versions of themselves and how psychologically transformative that was. That actually left me feeling kind of inspired and wishing I could experience what the characters had for myself. Second, I think it's absolutely courageous the way that Tamara brings her sensitivity to current social issues/dilemmas into the backdrop of her stories (in this case, the characters grapple with climate change with heightened urgency). It seems like a "risky" choice for a writer to write it in instead of the safer choice of shying away from it and it makes her writing uniquely stand out for engaging in real world questions and complexities.
If you enjoy action or sci-fi type stories like the TV series Fringe, "what-ifs", and human complexity, you will likely enjoy this one.
December 21, 2022
‘And there lies the gray area. Are they human? Or are they just a computer program?’
When we meet Olivia Alexander (née Sharp) she thinks that her biggest problem is discovering her husband’s affair. If only. No, Olivia is about to find herself immersed in a confusing and dangerous conspiracy. There she is, walking down the street when a stranger warns her ‘Don’t sign anything’. But who can she trust? And how can the reader negotiate the twists and turns as we discover a shadow world in which Livvie Sharp is also being hunted?
It took me little while to shift between Olivia’s world and Livvie’s world. It took me a while longer to try to identify the good guys in this story. We have eco-terrorists and tech companies determined to make their points at any cost, competing with individuals trying to do their best against near impossible odds. Yes, my attention was captured and held, and I definitely didn’t sign anything. Just in case.
No, you don’t need to know anything else before you leap into a discombobulating world of hi-tech intrigue and low-tech resistance. Ms Bailey has peopled her story with likeable flawed heroes, and detestable flawed villains. And somehow, with all of the different issues raised, we have a story which feels uncomfortably possible in the near future.
Fast-paced fiction raising issues which we should be thinking about. Seriously. I loved it.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
When we meet Olivia Alexander (née Sharp) she thinks that her biggest problem is discovering her husband’s affair. If only. No, Olivia is about to find herself immersed in a confusing and dangerous conspiracy. There she is, walking down the street when a stranger warns her ‘Don’t sign anything’. But who can she trust? And how can the reader negotiate the twists and turns as we discover a shadow world in which Livvie Sharp is also being hunted?
It took me little while to shift between Olivia’s world and Livvie’s world. It took me a while longer to try to identify the good guys in this story. We have eco-terrorists and tech companies determined to make their points at any cost, competing with individuals trying to do their best against near impossible odds. Yes, my attention was captured and held, and I definitely didn’t sign anything. Just in case.
No, you don’t need to know anything else before you leap into a discombobulating world of hi-tech intrigue and low-tech resistance. Ms Bailey has peopled her story with likeable flawed heroes, and detestable flawed villains. And somehow, with all of the different issues raised, we have a story which feels uncomfortably possible in the near future.
Fast-paced fiction raising issues which we should be thinking about. Seriously. I loved it.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
December 9, 2022
That was a ton of fun. The pace kept up throughout and made for an excellent break from work stress. I really enjoyed the different aspects of, well, I don't want to give any spoilers, so the SF aspects hooked me and tied into deeper character aspects quite well. Recommended!
Note that I was sent a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. And now I really want to get myself a paperback copy to share at home!
Note that I was sent a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. And now I really want to get myself a paperback copy to share at home!
October 27, 2022
Slow to start, and I didn't identify with the characters, at first, but I'm glad I persevered!
An engaging tale of intrigue and suspense, with a little romance thrown in. I ended up reading this as more of a 'parallel world' story that kind of reminded me of a _Doctor Who_ episode called "Turn Left".
I am looking forward to more works from Tamara Bailey!
An engaging tale of intrigue and suspense, with a little romance thrown in. I ended up reading this as more of a 'parallel world' story that kind of reminded me of a _Doctor Who_ episode called "Turn Left".
I am looking forward to more works from Tamara Bailey!
November 6, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book! It took me a few chapters to get the parallel narratives but then I was hooked! Finished it in 2 days.
I liked the main characters in both versions and I was intrigued by the other world, especially with idea going round in real life.
I liked the main characters in both versions and I was intrigued by the other world, especially with idea going round in real life.
December 18, 2022
A fantastic read. A fast paced book which delights with philosophical insights relevant to today - do we have digital "selves", how should we manage the climate crisis... A must read.
February 12, 2023
Posted on blog https://booksafewkids.wordpress.com/2...
I'm the first to admit I'm not a big sci-fi fan, I have a terrible imagination and some go too far on the weirdness scale, so I usually steer clear. However, The Other Olivia left me shook.
The virtual world concept, while a little confusing at the start, wasn't all that unrealistic considering the way technology is going and had me loving the switch between that world and the real world.
Bailey does a great job with the pace of the book while also knowing the perfect times to give a break on the action so you can learn more about the characters in both worlds. This is another place where Bailey shines and the way she's able to build on the interpersonal relationships further cements how real these characters feel and how realistic the problems could be in the future.
I really enjoyed this action-packed sci-fi book and look forward to reading more of Tamara Bailey in the future.
© 2023. A Book Escape. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press for providing me with a copy of this book for a feature and review.
I'm the first to admit I'm not a big sci-fi fan, I have a terrible imagination and some go too far on the weirdness scale, so I usually steer clear. However, The Other Olivia left me shook.
The virtual world concept, while a little confusing at the start, wasn't all that unrealistic considering the way technology is going and had me loving the switch between that world and the real world.
Bailey does a great job with the pace of the book while also knowing the perfect times to give a break on the action so you can learn more about the characters in both worlds. This is another place where Bailey shines and the way she's able to build on the interpersonal relationships further cements how real these characters feel and how realistic the problems could be in the future.
I really enjoyed this action-packed sci-fi book and look forward to reading more of Tamara Bailey in the future.
© 2023. A Book Escape. All Rights Reserved.
Thank you to Clan Destine Press for providing me with a copy of this book for a feature and review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews